Effect of Altitude on the Magnitude of Atmospheric Pressure

1.At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg.

2.At high altitudes, the density and temperature of air become lower. Therefore, the frequency of collision of the air molecules decreases, producing a lower atmospheric pressure.

3. Effects on humans :

• breathing is difficult.
• nose-bleeds may occur due to a slightly higher pressure of the blood in our body than the external pressure.

4. Solutions :

• cabins of modern aircrafts are pressurised by increasing the air pressure to safeguard the crew and the passengers.

5. For more information on altitude, log on to...

• http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm